Alaska National Wildlife Refuges: Kanuti Nat'l Wildlife Refuge

Kanuti straddles the Arctic Circle approximately 150 miles northwest of Fairbanks. It is composed of the Kanuti Flats, an interior basin characterized by the rolling plains of the Kanuti and Koyukuk rivers. The basin is interspersed with lakes, ponds, and marshes. The refuge provides nesting habitat for waterfowl primarily Canada and whitefronted geese and ducks.
Kanuti's contribution to waterfowl increases when the prairies of south-central Canada and the northern mid-western United States lie baked and dry. In times of drought, birds displaced from traditional breeding areas fly northward to stable waters. Additional loss of prairie wetlands from draining and filling will further increase the importance of northern wetlands such as Kanuti.
The refuge supports 16 species of fish including whitefish, northern pike, grayling and salmon. Other wildlife includes moose, black bear, grizzly bear, wolf, and wolverine.
Visitor Use
Few people visit Kanuti and those that do primarily hunt, fish, and view wildlife. Fishing for northern pike and grayling is excellent. Because it is remote, the adventurous will find Kanuti Refuge a true wilderness experience.
For information contact
Refuge Manager - (907)456-0329
Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge
101-12th Avenue, Room 262
Fairbanks, AK 99701
FAX: (907) 456-0506
kanuti_refuge@fws.gov.